Ian Rush scored twice as Liverpool beat league leaders Everton 3–1 at Anfield on 25 April 1987. His second brought him level with Dixie Dean’s record of 19 goals in Merseyside derbies, shortly before his agreed move to Juventus.
Kenny Dalglish used Rush as the lone striker ahead of a five-man midfield. The forward helped create the opening goal after nine minutes, exchanging passes with Gary Ablett before laying the ball back for Steve McMahon’s powerful drive.
Kevin Sheedy soon equalised with a free-kick after Alan Hansen fouled Wayne Clarke. His left-footed shot cleared Liverpool’s wall and beat Mike Hooper, who was keeping goal in place of Bruce Grobbelaar.
Rush restored Liverpool’s lead just before half-time, heading home Craig Johnston’s delivery. Everton then pressed for an equaliser. Hooper came out to stop Kevin Ratcliffe, and Adrian Heath struck the frame of the goal with a header.
Neville Southall prevented Rush from scoring when Nigel Spackman put him through, but the striker took his next opportunity. Ablett crossed, Ratcliffe could not clear, and Rush supplied the close-range finish with about five minutes remaining.
Liverpool had cut Everton’s lead to three points, although their neighbours still had a game in hand. Rush had shaped all three Liverpool goals in what was expected to be his last derby before leaving for Italy.